meat grinder

Definition of meat grinder

1: a device for cutting meat fine

2: something that reduces, pulverizes, or destroys: such asa: a devastating military action or stratagem the American public has watched the meat grinder in action on the Russian front, killing millions of troops — New Republicb: a process (as an official investigation or examination) or a system that may have ruinous effect if you went into public life you often put your career and your reputation in a political meat grinder — Saturday Review